RIZIUM GF, new composite material for color 3D printing

A few days ago, the American manufacturer RIZE unveiled a new glass fiber reinforced filament compatible with its full-color printing solutions. This is a first for the company, which aims to offer its customers more applications, relying on the rigidity of the composite material, its dimensional stability, and precision, all while maintaining the possibility of printing in color. Named RIZIUM GF, this filament is the only composite material compatible with the xRize industrial color 3D printer, which combines material extrusion 3D printing and the projection technology used by 2D printers.

In recent years, the additive manufacturing market has seen the development of a large number of new industrial materials, whether with high-performance thermoplastics or composites. These plastics are filled with fibers (carbon, Kevlar, glass, etc.) in order to increase their rigidity and resistance while maintaining a significant lightness, which is often crucial in sectors such as aerospace or automotive. Although composite 3D printers are becoming more and more common today, there are few solutions capable of designing full-color parts. This is one reason why the manufacturer RIZE has developed its RIZIUM Glass Fiber (GF) filament, a glass-reinforced thermoplastic that is compatible with the brand’s color 3D printing solutions.

820 000 different color combinations are possible with RIZIUM GF. (Image credits: RIZE)

Characteristics of RIZIUM GF

RIZIUM GF is composed of a proprietary matrix based on cyclic olefins that would eliminate harmful emissions at conventional extrusion temperatures. The company says its composite has very good chemical resistance and virtually no moisture absorption. The addition of fiberglass increases the strength and durability of the material. The filament has also achieved UL GREENGUARD certification on the xRize 3D printer, meaning it can be used safely in enclosed spaces such as offices.

Notably, the new material is compatible with RIZE’s Augmented Polymer Deposition (APD) technology, which combines filament and functional inks to create new properties and colors. The manufacturer claims that users will now be able to create glass-fiber reinforced objects with more than 820,000 different color combinations. Andy Kalambi, CEO of RIZE, continues : “Until now full-color 3D printing applications could only deliver weak approximations of the original, and users often avoided large parts or complex geometries because they could warp or crack. We’re delighted to help drive a renaissance in industrial manufacturing with better 3D printing materials and technology“.

The new material allows the creation of realistic, aesthetic and very resistant parts. (Image credits : RIZE)

In terms of applications, the manufacturer states that RIZIUM GF is particularly suitable for the creation of large parts, but also for the fabrication of functional prototypes, aesthetic pieces, tooling or finished parts that require a high level of detail. You can find more information on the official RIZE website.

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